Accident Overview
A pilot and passenger were conducting a takeoff from a 4,000-foot slow-flowing river. The takeoff was planned as a no-wind departure downstream. The calculated water run required for the conditions was 1,300 feet.
Sequence of Events
Just prior to lift-off from the water, both the pilot and passenger reported a partial loss of engine RPM. The pilot assessed that there was insufficient stopping distance before reaching a river bank. In response, the pilot rotated the airplane off the water while it was below flying speed. The aircraft cleared the river bank and subsequently settled back into the tundra.
Pilot Remarks
The pilot indicated that a similar loss of engine RPM had occurred previously, but it was considered transient at that time.